Paul Warne speaks to iFollow Millers ahead of the South Yorkshire derby...
Rotherham United manager Paul Warne was on iFollow Millers duty ahead of Saturday's South Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday at AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Warne spoke to the club regarding the comeback at Hull City in midweek, 3-5-2, selection headaches and the Owls, with full video content available shortly HERE on iFollow Millers…
On midweek draw at Hull City…
“We were really good second half. I asked for a response second half and a little bit of polishing here or there and we might have nicked it.
“If we'd won it I don't think it would have been against the run of play.
“Teams take their chances against us and punish us and we need to be a little bit more ruthless ourselves.
“We deserved a point. We played well at Millwall and probably deserved to take more than they did. We played well against Wigan and could have been 2-0 up.
“We never set up to draw and in every game we're always trying to score until the death to win it.
“On the positive, I think we've lost the least amount of games in the bottom six.”
On impact of substitutes after changes in personnel and formation at the KCOM Stadium…
“They both [Forde and Taylor] did really well. In fairness they both played really well at the weekend, but historically we ask a lot out of wingers and striker physically.
“We've found that when we play the same team on a Tuesday as a Saturday we lack a bit of energy and we struggle.
“That's what subs are there for. We call them game changers and that's what they are supposed to do. They both did really well.”
“I've learned from the game why 3-5-2 wasn't as effective as it was at Millwall. We looked better 4-1-4-1 but our performance first half was irrelevant of the tactics and personnel. If you don't get close and win your battles you're not going to win.
“We always try and say to the lads 'stay in the game'.”
On selection headaches ahead of the weekend…
“I thought Zak was very good. It was his footwork and ball down the side for Tayls for the first goal. In the same way, Billy has hardly put a foot wrong. I've got selection issues there, as I have in a few positions.
“The competition is hot. I've explained to the lads that we have to give them some tough love and pick a team that suits the game.
“You have to pick who you think will have the best effect for your team and is most capable of stopping them as well.
On team news…
“We have no new issues. Everyone is training today barring two or three who aren't on the grass because they've played every minute of virtually every game.
“He's [Robertson] fine. He's got a little bit of an ankle issue that he keeps catching and rolling at the minute."
On prospect of the South Yorkshire derby and influence the home crowd can have…
“If I was a player I'd definitely be looking forward to it, I think you look at it differently as a manager.
“They are games you want to be involved in. I speak to the Chairman a lot and we speak about it being a massive rollercoaster being involved in football.
“I'll speak to the lads about turning into legends if they can score against Sheffield Wednesday and we can win.
“The crowd will be essential. We went to Sheff Utd last night and the massive impotus in that was the crowd claiming penalties and free kicks and there was a spring in their step.
“I am well-aware of the fans' importance and no matter what happens, I ask you please stay with the team.
“Everyone has to give everything for us to win football games here.
“I thought the people that came to the game on Tuesday night were excellent. It's the best away noise I've heard in a long time.”
On Sheffield Wednesday…
“I think they're conceding a lot less goals since he's taken over. The bigger players have stepped up to the plate a little bit and they all seem to be playing for their shirts. I think it will be a different, and tougher game than we played at Hillsborough.
“He'll have them well-organised and well-prepared for us on Saturday.
“If a Will, a Semi or a Smudge bang in a 30 yard screamer in the last minute, it will be remembered forever.
“I still remember the Donny game fondly when we played 60 minutes of injury time with Newelly. Polly said to me it was like Walt Disney stuff.
“I'm hopeful we can perform at a level that makes everyone proud to be a Miller.”